By Warren Dillaway
Star Beacon
ASHTABULA COUNTY, Ohio — Attempts to improve healthcare and emergency transportation issues continue in the southern part of Ashtabula County.
One of the cornerstone issues facing residents of the southern part of the county, especially in the Andover area, escalated in 2020, when the coronavirus pandemic hit.
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An emergency room, operated by University Hospitals, was closed, creating a major problem for area villages and townships. What used to be a 30-minute trip to and from the emergency room have often turned into a more than an hour adventure to Middlefield, Ashtabula, Conneaut, Meadville or Youngstown.
At the time, local government representatives attempted to work out compromises to ensure emergency transport is available when needed. Levies were escalated in some townships and villages, but meeting the need has been difficult.
Conversations continue on finding the best situation to make sure ambulance service is available when needed, Ashtabula County Commissioner Casey Kozlowski said.
“Ever since Andover closed, we’ve been [looking for solutions], “ he said.
Kozlowski said those in the healthcare industry said the most likely step towards assisting the southeastern part of the county would be a rural health care center.
What that would look like is part of the puzzle government leaders are trying to put together with those in the health care industry. He said he thinks a rural facility would hopefully include some testing options as well as doctors on-site at least several days a week.
Kozlowski said he considers healthcare an economic development issue.
“I think healthcare is important,” he said of people who might want to move into the area.
He said there have been creative discussions and negotiations to try and figure out the best model for bringing more healthcare to the area.
Presently, a rural healthcare center in Middlefield is being organized, and could be a model for Ashtabula County , Kozlowski said.
The creation of a medical care hub at the Northeastern Ohio Regional Airport in Denmark Township is also under negotiation, and would include an ambulance that acts almost like a mobile emergency room and a helicopter to help serve the medical needs of those in the southern part of the county.
“Communities are going to have to come together,” Commissioner J.P. Ducro said. He said communities will likely have to raise their levy millage and bind together to insure adequate coverage for rural areas.
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